MITA responds to planned merger of

MITA has issued a statement on the plan to merge Creative Skillset and the ITF. We think this is a troubling move. Creative Skillset, in particular, has hitherto served as a vital independent broker for training and skills development in the TV and film industries: identifying skills gaps, sourcing funding (from both industry and government), and channelling that investment to freelancers, companies and training providers to help address those industry needs.

Our members have a long and distinguished track record in delivery high quality training, both to the professional industry and to young people throughout the UK. Together, we champion diversity in the industry, supporting people from traditionally under-represented groups to enter the profession and progress through the ranks. Most rely on a mixed funding model: fees from individual trainees and companies, sponsorship from industry partners and, crucially, public money, much of it distributed through Creative Skillset.

Creating a single, centralised body that both levies training investment from industry and government but also provides training, would not only be anti-competitive but could undermine the very culture of innovation and ‘agile and effective’ responses to industry needs that this merger hopes to foster, and which our members embody.

MITA’s statement is the basis of a comment piece in this week’s Broadcast magazine.